Hans-Hermann Rahlmeyer, President, Schneeberger Gmbh
Latest product innovations at Schneeberger…
Schneeberger is a leading brand for the profile linear guideways. Apart from this we have integrated direct measurement system (called AMS). It is a very good option if you want to have direct feedback system in your CNC machine. It uses a magnetic strip fully integrated into our profiled guideways, requires no additional set-up, highly reliable that gives you accuracy of +/- 5 micron in a meter. We came up with this in Germany and since then manufacturing them in Germany only.
When it comes to liner guideway technology, what will be the future breakthroughs?
I think it is very important for the linear guideway technology that you have a very robust system, especially in a market like India. In India you see more ball linear guideway instead of roller linear guideways. Roller guideways provides extra accuracy and you can work in near net shape on the workpiece and it will eventually save cost of the user of CNC machine.
Since load is very high onto the guideway, do you see any new material coming up in the near future?
Material changes will come into play more in wiper system so that your linear carriage have long life even in the high load and pressure and also when you have lots of chips and coolants flowing around. We are continuously working on innovation in different kinds of wiper system. We are planning to introduce new wiper system with front cover plate so that you have more robustness in your linear carriage.
How do you see the current market scenario i.e in the machine tool industry?
I think the Indian CNC builders are on a good way to increase the accuracy and enhance the capability by investing in right technology. They are gradually enhancing the productivity level. They are now using roller linear guideways and direct feedback system so that they can find themselves in very critical operation as well which predominately is with foreign brands as of now.
How do you see the Indian market?
India is certainly very big and important market for us. We are present in the Indian market since 2007 and have seen huge growth. India has also come a long way when it comes to the use of technology.
Changes that you have observed in an Indian CNC manufacturers?
They are coming up with better technology. CNC manufacturers in India are now using high end controllers from Fanuc, Siemens and Mitsubishi among others, which is vital for better accuracy like 5-axis machines. Now, they are using profile linear guideways instead of boxways which is very important for speed and accuracy.
Can you name few of your customers in India?
ACE, BFW, JYOTI, TAL are some of the top brands that we serve. We are happy to support our customers to achieve better productivity and higher sales.
How do you plan to tackle competition in the Indian market?
It’s very important for Indian machine tool manufacturers to focus not only on price but also on reliable and good delivery system. As the Indian rupee and banking system is very complicated it becomes difficult to import at times and do business in India. We have to have very good delivery time so that customer can make up for the inefficiencies of the surroundings.
According to you what are those basic differences that you see in global and Indian CNC builders manufacturers?
International machine tool builders, especially who are delivering machines to automobile and aerospace industries, have evolved the techniques used in terms of reliability and higher speed. I think Indian CNC builders still need to improve their technique and accuracy, for example in their direct feedback system.
What was your growth rate in India last year?
We grew more that 30% in terms of sales and hope to continue the same in the coming years.
Market share in India…
When it comes to linear technology in India, we boast of around 20% market share and hope to improve in a few years.
What are the road blocks for Schneeberger in India?
Our main challenge is the banking system. Sometimes it’s very tough to import goods from Europe to India. Infrastructure is the second biggest challenge that we face. If the infrastructure improves, the transportation will be better and will help us deliver our products on time.
There is huge Currency depreciation since last two years, does it affect your business?
I think it is a challenge, but we hope that it will bridge.
Few companies from south eastern countries have become very aggressive in the recent years. What are your views about them?
Of course they are posing a challenge for us, especially when they are more affordable. We try to battle the competition with better technology.
Your general views about the recently held IMTEX…
This is a good place to showcase your technology, your capability in front of potential customers.
